Mariachi Music! (Cinco De Mayo)

Cinco de Mayo, a wonderful holiday celebrating Mexican independence and Mexican pride, takes place every year on May 5. Mexicans and Americans come together for Cinco de Mayo to enjoy Mexican traditions and festive parties. No matter how you plan to celebrate on Cinco de Mayo, more likely than not you will hear mariachi music.

Mariachi music is one of the most familiar of Cinco de Mayo traditions. Mariachi is probably the most well-known genre of Mexican folk music. Almost every American knows the two most popular mariachi songs, “La Cucaracha” and the “Jarabe Tapatío” (a.k.a. “Mexican Hat Dance”). With its distinct sound and characteristic western costumes, mariachi has come to symbolize Mexican nationalism.

The mariachi ensemble generally consists of an acoustic guitar, a vihuela (high-pitched five-string guitar), a guitarrón (large acoustic bass guitar), violins and one or more trumpets. The mariachi musicians (a.k.a. “Mariachis” or “Mariacheros”) also sing during their musical performance. In some cases the mariachi group may be joined by a female vocalist, known as a “ranchera”.

Mariachi is perfect music for a festive occasion such as Cinco de Mayo, with its lively tempo and vibrant, upbeat feel. While you are sure to hear some mariachi music this Cinco de Mayo, mariachi bands are also frequently hired to play at Mexican weddings, quinceañeras (a girl’s 15th birthday) and other parties. Many of the standard mariachi songs have a romantic theme and amorous lyrics, making mariachi a popular choice for formal settings like fine restaurants.